Easy Hot Apple Cider
User Reviews
5
Easy Hot Apple Cider
Description
Starting with good-quality apple cider, this hot beverage is infused with whole spices—cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star anise—and freshly grated nutmeg and orange peel. The mixture is brought to a boil and then simmered for about 10 minutes, enabling the spices and citrus to release their flavors fully into the cider.
After simmering, the cider is strained to remove the solids and poured into mugs. Adding bourbon is optional, providing a warming alcoholic note. Garnishes of fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices enhance the drink’s aroma and visual appeal.
This cider is well suited for cooler weather and festive occasions. It can be made ahead, stored chilled up to seven days or frozen up to three months. When reheating, gentle warming is recommended to preserve its flavor without reboiling.
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider Look for options without added sugars or artificial additives for the best flavor, good-quality store-bought
- 4 allspice whole
- 3 cinnamon stick plus for garnishing, 2 to 3-inch
- 3 cloves whole dried
- 1 star anise
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- orange peel plus 1 orange for garnishing, from 1 orange
- bourbon optional, good
For Garnishing:
- 1 orange , cut in half through the stem and slice crosswise in ¼ inch thick half-rounds
- 1 apple cut in half through the stem, remove core, and slice crosswise in ¼-inch thick rounds, crisp, red
Instructions
- Carefully peel off a large (1 by 4-inch) outer skin of the orange using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Aim to get as much of the colored zest and as little of the white pith as possible.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, allspice berries, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and the whole peeled orange skin.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering step allows the flavors of the spices and the orange peel to meld with the cider.
- After simmering, strain the cider through a sieve into a heatproof pitcher or another pot to remove all the solid ingredients.
- Pour or ladle the hot cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. If you like, add about 2 tablespoons of bourbon to each mug, adjusting according to taste. Garnish each serving with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick. Optionally, add a slice of orange to each mug for an added citrus note.
- Serve the cider hot.
Notes
- Store cooled cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal flavor.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave without boiling, stirring as needed.
- Prepare up to 7 days ahead; cool before storing refrigerated or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cider fully before reheating or serve chilled as desired.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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